Hi, I am Caeli Rice, the founder and software developer of Tosslet based in Waunakee, WI.
Tosslet comes from my desire to know what is happening around me without having to give away my personal information or have an account on yet another app. When I could not find this, I decided I would build it. Although Tosslet is only just beginning, people can download the mobile app and view messages posted around them without creating an account or sharing any personal information. As a technologist, I have been concerned about data collection and privacy for years. Recent documentaries such as Social Dilemma and Coded Bias suggest that I'm not the only one.
And according to Pew Research in 2019:
79% of adults admitted to being somewhat or very concerned about how companies are using the data they collect about them, while
59% of adult Americans admitted to having very little understanding about what companies do with their personal data
Our pay per toss approach means that we have no reason to sell people’s data, or even collect it in the first place.
Tosslet's goal is to be a privacy-first community platform where small businesses, community organizations, and local municipalities can toss out information for anyone nearby to catch. These throwers might choose Tosslet because they share our values of privacy, data protection, quality information, and supporting small local businesses. Community members might choose Tosslet to remain informed of what's happening around them without being tracked, all while avoiding the drama in online neighborhood groups.
Now, a few scenarios in action:
You are a privacy conscious community member who does not want to use platforms that track and algorithm you. You download the Tosslet mobile app, choose a location, select a surrounding distance, and catch nearby messages. You follow your favorite throwers to receive a notification when they toss new messages and hide those throwers you don't care to hear from.
Let's say you are a food truck owner. You want to inform the community where you will be for lunch today. You've tried facebook, but your followers don't always see your posts. You also use Twitter and Instagram which inform your existing followers, but don't bring in new customers. You've decided to try Tosslet which you hear will increase your contact with both existing and new customers.
You login to your Tosslet account on the web dashboard that morning. Set your location for today's lunch and Toss a message that you will be open from 11-2
Nearby Tosslet users catch your upcoming event, Save it, and after trying and loving your food, choose to follow you on Tosslet to be notified of where you are everyday.
In this scenario you are a local municipality. Some residents have complained that they don’t always see your Facebook posts. Others don't have a Facebook or nextdoor account because those companies are tracking them and selling their data. Some others say they're sick of hearing their neighbors argue online. You realize that these residents may feel more comfortable and informed with Tosslet.
You login to Tosslet and set your location to the community center. You Toss a message about the upcoming local election
The next day, a water main breaks. You set your location to where this is occurring. You Toss a message about the emergency situation and ask people to avoid the area.
Maybe you run a neighborhood group. You set your location to the neighborhood center and Toss a message about a volunteer opportunity – a neighbor a few blocks away is in need of help shoveling after this morning’s snowfall. A few days later you could, Toss a message with the updated food pantry hours. The following week, Toss a message about supplies needed for an event.
Tosslet's Prices are meant to be in reach for small local groups and businesses. Each Toss costs 1 dollar or less. A business could toss a message weekly for less than $32 per year.
As Tosslet grows throughout Wisconsin and the midwest region, our goal is to reach 1000 throwers in an area with 1 million in population. We hope to eventually grow beyond Wisconsin, into the midwest region, and then to the entire United States.
A possible future use for Tosslet? You’re traveling to a new location for a work conference or a family wedding. You have a few hours free so you check Tosslet, and discover those small, local gems you would never have otherwise found.
Tosslet had a small launch in Waunakee during Fall 2020. We hid giftcards around the village and threw out clues on Tosslet about where to find them. This provided some socially-distanced community fun in support of local businesses, even during a global pandemic. The biggest missing piece was notifications. As of June 2021, push notifications are available on iOS and Android devices. Follow your favorite throwers to be notified when they toss a new message.
On Sunday, August 15th, we are hosting a Tosslet launch party at The Lone Girl Brewing Company in Waunakee, WI. This launch will be taking place during Madison's annual Forward Fest, which is the largest entrepreneurial festival in Wisconsin.
We hope you'll join us for free food and drinks from 1-4PM. No RSVP needed, however, you are welcome to register through the Forward Fest event page if you want. Check out forwardfest.org for other events that are taking place around the Madison area from Thursday, August 12 to Thursday, August 19th.
I'll end with some of our slogans.
Tosslet - We don't algorithm you. Reach beyond your email list. And - Enjoy using the product, not being one.